Search - Lars Vogt, Schumann, Grieg :: Grieg/Schumann: Piano Concertos

Splendid Schumann and Grieg From Vogt and Rattle

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a crowded field of recent recordings of the Schumann and Grieg piano concerti, this splendid recording deserves recognition as among the best. Rattle and Vogt are a wonderful team, with Rattle leading the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) in one of their finest recorded performances, while Vogt offers exquisite, lyrical performances of both works. A noteworthy aspect of this recording is Vogt's rapid playing of the Schumann concerto's opening chords, which is the fastest I have heard. So are the two vibrant, warm performances of both works from Rattle and the CBSO. The sound quality from EMI's engineers is absolutely first rate. For these very reasons I am not surprised that the Penguin Guide regards this CD as among the best in a crowded field."

Sensitive and spirited

Musicus | Oslo, Norway | 10/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I was used to Wilhelm Kempf playing the Schumann concerto under director Kubelik, a performance with some more pomp and full-bodied elegance, I had initial problems by this low key, melancholic, yet by no means slow, performance by Vogt and Rattle. Now I think that the present team comes closer to the true spirit of this particular work.

The Grieg concerto is performed with all the bounce and springiness you can wish for. Rattle and Vogt try their best to make this not very interesting concerto more interesting, the result is at least not boring, but I am not sure Grieg would have approved.



PS Nov 2006. Well, as an avid collector I've finally got the Pires/Abbado on the Schumann. This is, no doubt, the very best. It is rare that somehow slow tempos do, but when they do, wow! That goes straight to the top of recommended versions for the Schumann concerto: Maria João Pires ~ Schumann - Piano Concerto · Piano Quintet / COE · Abbado - Dumay · Caussé · Capuçon · Wang

When it comes to the Grieg I've tried several more, the Michelangeli/Fruebeck de Borgos for example, and the Entremont/Ormandy. I still think the Vogt/Rattle is very good. The Michelangeli has very bad sound. The Entremont/Ormandy is as good as the Vogt/Rattle although different."

Lars Vogt and Grieg

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lars Vogt continues to be regarded as one of the most solid and dependable pianists on the stage today. His technique is dazzling, his stage presence during a performance reveals complete involvement not only with the composer of the concerto he happens to be performing, but also that much admired conversation with orchestra and conductor that makes for the perfect realization of a work for piano and orchestra. This recording with Simon Rattle and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra of both the Schumann Opus 54 and that old war horse by Edvard Grieg - the Piano Concerto in A minor - is full of the romantic tradition and sound that makes for a very successful pairing.



The Grieg concerto was dropped from the orchestral repertoire for a while because of its connection with the Broadway musical 'Song of Norway' and also because of over exposure. It takes a brilliant, sensitive artist to once again show us the beauties of this work and Lars Vogt simply has the concerto conquered. At a recent performance at Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic he brought down the house with a fresh a truly viable reading - this performance was conducted by one of Rattle's proteges - the very youthful and intensely musical Robin Ticciati. Rattle and Ticciati find different approaches to the inner voices of the orchestral accompaniment, both valid and both exciting. But it is the impressive virtuosity of Lars Vogt that holds the spotlight. He is an amazing talent. Grady Harp, March 10"